Delai'ah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the post-exilic period. His name, Delai'ah, means "Yahweh has drawn" or "Yahweh has delivered," reflecting a common practice of the time to incorporate the name of God into personal names, signifying a relationship or attribute associated with God.

Lineage and Role:

Delai'ah is identified as one of the sons of Elioenai, who was a descendant of David. This places Delai'ah within the royal lineage of Judah, as recorded in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles. The genealogical record in 1 Chronicles 3:24 states: "The sons of Elioenai: Hodaviah, Eliashib, Pelaiah, Akkub, Johanan, Delaiah, and Anani—seven in all."

Historical Context:

The period in which Delai'ah is mentioned is significant as it follows the Babylonian exile, a time when the Jewish people were returning to Jerusalem and rebuilding their community and religious practices. The genealogies in 1 Chronicles serve to establish the continuity of the Davidic line and the fulfillment of God's promises to David, even after the disruption of the exile.

Association with the Priesthood:

In the book of Nehemiah, Delai'ah is also mentioned in a different context, associated with the priestly families. Nehemiah 6:10 refers to a certain Shemaiah, the son of Delaiah, who was confined to his home. This passage is part of a narrative where Nehemiah faces opposition and attempts to intimidate him from completing the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. The text states: "Later, I went to the house of Shemaiah son of Delaiah, the son of Mehetabel, who was confined to his home. He said: 'Let us meet at the house of God inside the temple, and let us shut the temple doors, because they are coming to kill you—by night they are coming to kill you.'"

This incident highlights the complex social and political dynamics during the reconstruction of Jerusalem, where even those associated with the priesthood could be involved in plots against Nehemiah. It underscores the challenges faced by the Jewish community in re-establishing their identity and religious practices amidst internal and external threats.

Significance:

Delai'ah's mention in the genealogies and narratives of the post-exilic period serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of the Davidic line and the priestly families. His inclusion in the biblical record reflects the importance of lineage and heritage in the restoration of Israel's religious and national identity. The accounts involving his descendants also illustrate the broader themes of faithfulness, opposition, and the fulfillment of God's promises during a pivotal time in Israel's history.Delai'ah (6 Occurrences)

1 Chronicles 3:24
And the sons of Elioenai: Hodaviah, and Eliashib, and Pelaiah, and Akkub, and Johanan, and Delaiah, and Anani, seven.
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1 Chronicles 24:18
the three and twentieth to Delaiah, the four and twentieth to Maaziah.
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Ezra 2:60
the children of Delaiah, the children of Tobiah, the children of Nekoda, six hundred fifty and two.
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Nehemiah 7:62
the children of Delaiah, the children of Tobiah, the children of Nekoda, six hundred forty and two.
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Jeremiah 36:12
and he goeth down 'to' the house of the king, unto the chamber of the scribe, and lo, there are all the heads sitting: Elishama the scribe, and Delaiah son of Shemaiah, and Elnathan son of Acbor, and Gemariah son of Shaphan, and Zedekiah son of Hananiah, and all the heads.
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Jeremiah 36:25
And also Elnathan, and Delaiah, and Gemariah have interceded with the king not to burn the roll, and he hath not hearkened unto them.
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Delai'ah (6 Occurrences)
Delai'ah. Delaiah, Delai'ah. Delay . Multi-Version Concordance Delai'ah
(6 Occurrences). 1 Chronicles 3:24 And the sons of Elioenai ...
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Delaiah (7 Occurrences)

/d/delaiah.htm - 10k

Delay (47 Occurrences)

/d/delay.htm - 21k

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